Tom Bertolini, president of the Detroit River Regatta Association and APBA Gold Cup Race Director says the decision has been made and the event is a go for the scheduled dates, July 9-11.
“We are still not where we need to be financially,” said Bertolini. “But with the support we have received from contributors like the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club members and friends and others in the Detroit business community, we are going to move forward with the confidence that we can raise the additional funding we need.”
Bertolini stressed the need to continue the fund raising effort saying, “We don’t want the community to think our decision to go ahead with the event means we have all the money we need. Our search for sponsorship dollars will be more critical than ever now.” Continue Reading…
SEATTLE — Seafair announced on Wednesday the sponsors for the annual hydroplane races and air show.Albert Lee Appliance will headline the 2010 Albert Lee Cup at Seafair and The Boeing Company takes the title sponsorship position of the Boeing Air Show at Seafair.
“The commitment from Boeing and Albert Lee ensures that Seattleites will continue to enjoy the best summertime entertainment in the Northwest,” said President & CEO of Seafair, Beth Knox.Albert Lee Appliance made a three-year commitment to the Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Race title sponsorship.Albert Lee Appliance also currently sponsors the U-21 Unlimited Hydroplane driven by Brian Perkins.The Boeing Company has been the presenting sponsor of the Air Show since 2003 and a partner of Seafair since 1950.In addition, Duke Moscrip, the owner of Duke Chowder House Restaurants, announced last Wednesday that he would make a $40,000 donation to help bridge a funding gap that put this year’s Seafair hydroplane races in jeopardy.
San Diego’s Bayfair could see some big changes this year including the potential return of the Unlimited hydroplanes and the addition of a major poker run.
The annual event, which takes place Sept. 17-19, has seen its attendance decline in recent years and organizers hope the changes will bring race fans back to Mission Bay. Also in the works is a one-hour television show based on the weekend.
Although a final contract hasn’t been signed, H1 Unlimited is expected to return to San Diego after a one-year hiatus, said Brett Seber, a member of the Board of Governors for Thunderboats Unlimited of San Diego, which puts on the event.
“The (contract) numbers worked out, so I feel very comfortable that it’s going to happen,” Seber said.
In addition to the Unlimited hydroplanes, Bayfair is expected to have tunnel boats, Unlimited Lights and offshore races. But Seber is looking forward to the addition of a poker run, which is being organized by Desert Storm promoter Jim Nichols.
The poker-run event is expected to include a Puttin’ on the Wish event Thursday after the boats take over a section of Paradise Point. Nichols said they will have a fun run Friday and on Saturday they will run north to Oceanside. The biggest treat for the poker runners is that they will get a chance to run the 2 1/2-mile Unlimited course as part of the opening festivities.
Still up in the air is whether the drag boats will return to the event. Seber said they have had discussions with the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series but so far nothing has been worked out.
“We really want to turn it into a festival based around the water,” Seber said. “We’re excited with the direction it’s heading.”—Gregg Mansfield
The annual event, which takes place Sept. 17-19, has seen its attendance decline in recent years and organizers hope the changes will bring race fans back to Mission Bay. Also in the works is a one-hour television show based on the weekend.